A representative sample of study skills necessary for using maps, graphs and tables, and references was selected, and criterion-referenced tests assessing those skills were administered to sixth, ninth, and twelfth graders. Because the tests were criterion-referenced, no time limits were set and all students had ample opportunity to complete each of the ten tests. The sixth and ninth grade students' study-skills attainment was very low. Based on the results, the assumption that students have acquired the basic skills by the end of elementary school or by middle school is in question. The twelfth-grade students' skill attainment was higher, but the results indicated many seniors lacked the necessary skill attainment for independently using standard graphic and reference sources. (Author/AA)